How to Get Bad Smell Out of Icebox

Published: Jun 22, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Step 1

Remove the contents of the icebox. Place the contents in coolers while you are cleaning the unit. If coolers are not available, place contents in paper bags and set in a cool area of the home.

Step 2

Pull out all of the shelves and drawers. Turn off the ice maker and remove the ice bin. Empty out the old ice.

Step 3

Fill a cleaning bucket with a solution of 1tbsp. unscented household chlorine bleach and 1 gallon water to make a sanitizing solution.

Step 4

Wash the icebox shelves, drawers and the ice bin in warm soapy water in the kitchen sink. Rinse thoroughly with hot water. Dip a rag into the sanitizing solution and wipe all of the items down. The sanitizing solution acts as a rinse and eliminates the smell.

Advertisement

Step 5

Add 1 cup baking soda to 1 gallon hot water in a bucket. Wash the interior of the icebox with the solution and a rag. Wash the doors and the door gaskets with the solution as well. Rinse with the sanitizing solution.

Step 6

Rinse the ice bin once more under hot running water. Dry the ice bin thoroughly with a rag. Insert the ice bin into the icebox and turn on the ice maker.

Step 7

Dry the shelves and drawers thoroughly with a rag. Insert them back into the icebox. Place the contents back into the refrigerator and freezer. Throw out any food items that have spoiled or are near spoiling.

Step 8

Set an open box of baking soda into the refrigerator and one inside the freezer. The baking soda helps to absorb any lingering odors.

Kenneth Crawford

Kenneth Crawford is a freelance writer with more than 10 years of experience. His work has appeared in both print and online publications, including "The American Chronicle." Crawford holds an associate degree in business administration…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.